Tinkham Veale University Center Shows How Innovation and Sustainability Can Help Control Interior Temperatures

Planned as a pass-through building that serves as a connector to all other points on the Case Western Reserve University campus, the 89,000 sq. ft. Tinkham Veale University Center provides students a 24/7 gathering place, a home for student organizations, as well as a state-of-the art gathering space for community events. With input from students on the design, the two-story building is a mix of horizontal, wedge-like shapes that stretch in three directions.

With such a unique footprint, maintaining temperatures in smaller spaces such as offices and classrooms, as well as in large open spaces such as the ballroom, dining area, and gathering spaces was a considerable project challenge. To conquer this challenge, innovative and sustainable construction practices were implemented.

Built 90% to completion in United Glass's Canton, Ohio facility, the prefabricated, double-paned energy-efficient windows boast better quality as the windows were assembled in a controlled environment. Better quality means better protection against seasonal temperatures.

The double curtainwall glass provides ongoing energy savings with its passive air system. Pulling air from outside through the curtainwall, a 3' buffer to heat and cool air is created and helps maintain interior air temperatures which reduces the amount of energy used to heat or cool the building.

To install the glass curtainwall, giant trusses were first set, then the tension cables between them were torqued in a certain sequence to provide the proper tension and airtight seal needed.

A chilled beam system provides cooler temperatures to individual office spaces. Resembling a light fixture, the air in the office is cooled, rather than having cool air travel through duct work to reach the office space.

A full epoxy mesh underlayment, along with more expansion joints in the terrazzo, provided a custom solution to mitigate the differences between the terrazzo floor and radiant heat tubing system expansion and contraction tolerances.

A fully-automated, solar-intelligent shade system known as the MechoShade System helps maintain interior temperatures. A unit on the roof measures the sun and automatically adjusts the shades throughout the day.

Tinkham Veale University Center is a 2014 Build Ohio Winner through the AGC of Ohio. Criteria for the award included meeting the challenge of a difficult job, excellence in client service, excellence in project management, and innovations in construction techniques/materials.